pretty gravel capped over soil for lowwtech planted tank

[solchitlins]

I found this on craigslist. The guy bought it for a tank he never set up. I like it a lot but feel like a fool for even considering spending $60 on 150 pounds of gravel.
I like how small, round and smooth it looks

 

[dragonfish]

Why are you covering the soil with gravel?

 

[solchitlins]

so it doesn't turn my tank into a muddy mess

 

[dragonfish]

What type of soil are using?

 

[F1 VET]

That is river pebble. Its 5$ for 50lbs bag. Go to home depot, Lowes, menards etc they have different sizes too. And yes that would cap it but your gonna need a decent layer as opposed to pfs sand.




×Go S Vettel #1 Infiniti Redbull! 3x WDC!!!×
__________________________________________________________________

Cheap way to decrease nitrates and keep your fish healthy: http://monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=504763

 

[solchitlins]

most likely miracle grow organic choice potting mix.

Here is the $5 pea gravel I bought in comparison to the nice stuff off craigslist:






the craigslist stuff below is much more colorful, rounder, smoother etc.... but probably not worth $55 more

 

[F1 VET]

most likely miracle grow organic choice potting mix.

Here is the $5 pea gravel I bought in comparison to the nice stuff off craigslist:

View attachment 949829
View attachment 949830
View attachment 949831


the craigslist stuff below is much more colorful, rounder, smoother etc.... but probably not worth $55 more
View attachment 949832

My lhs has a few different variations and they do have the smooth stuff.





×Go S Vettel #1 Infiniti Redbull! 3x WDC!!!×
__________________________________________________________________

Cheap way to decrease nitrates and keep your fish healthy: http://monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=504763

 

[dragonfish]

most likely miracle grow organic choice potting mix.

Won't that throw off your water chemistry big time?

 

[F1 VET]

Won't that throw off your water chemistry big time?

Dirt has minerals and such but as far as parameters no. People have been setting up planted tanks for decades using organic potting soil capped with sand or gravel and have successfully grown lush plants! In rivers, lakes and streams there is always dirt/soil, imo its pretty natural but you will get further with a plant specific substrate with fertz that feed the roots!




×Go S Vettel #1 Infiniti Redbull! 3x WDC!!!×
__________________________________________________________________

Cheap way to decrease nitrates and keep your fish healthy: http://monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=504763

 

[dragonfish]

So the organic material breaking down and raising nitrogen levels won't be a problem?